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The Holiday Season Has Arrived at Epic Universe
Universal’s Epic Universe may be the newest park on the block, but it already feels like it was built for the holidays. We recently had the chance to visit during its first-ever festive season, and the decorations completely swept us off our feet. Every land has its own personality, and the holiday overlay leans into that identity so thoughtfully that nothing feels generic or out of place. Instead, the park sparkles with custom garland, themed wreaths, and whimsical details that make the entire experience feel warm, immersive, and wonderfully alive.
Related: Former Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde Compares Epic Universe Design Philosophy to Animal Kingdom
As soon as you approach the entrance, the holiday cheer greets you with glowing garland draped across the archways and buildings. Even the restroom facade gets in on the celebration with a beautifully designed wreath that matches the teal tilework so perfectly it looks like it was always meant to be there. The Chronos Portal glows under twinkling gold lights, and the whole area transforms beautifully at night when the holiday lighting blends with the park’s existing evening atmosphere for a dreamy effect.
Celestial Park shines especially bright during the holidays. Its arcades and glass domes sparkle with warm garland, ornaments, and elegant lighting that dances across the walkways after an evening rain. Restaurants throughout the hub also show off their festive flair. Atlantic dazzles with seashell-studded garland and warmly lit Christmas trees that reflect against the restaurant’s glowing blue undersea lighting, capturing the perfect nautical Christmas aesthetic. Nearby kiosks and eateries layer in their own themed elements, creating a sense that every space received personalized attention.
Over in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, the magic gets dialed up even further. Garlands drape across rooftops and windows with incredible detail, including magical creature motifs and whimsical ornament clusters that fit the wizarding aesthetic perfectly. The transformation from day to night is stunning. From intricate wreaths to clever snowflake designs made of keys, the creativity here is astounding. The decorations blend perfectly with the land, adding to the aesthetic rather than taking away from it.
Meanwhile, the Isle of Berk celebrates Snoggletog, the Viking holiday from the How to Train Your Dragon universe. Every decoration fits beautifully within the land’s rustic and handmade aesthetic. Inside the shops, garland, banners, and displays of dragon eggs celebrate the season in a way that feels both festive and distinctly Berk. The “Choose Your Dragon” area is wrapped in greenery and berries, and small Snoggletog touches appear around every corner. It’s charming, thoughtful, and packed with detail for fans of the franchise.
Related: The Must-Try Holiday Treats at Universal Orlando Resort for 2025
Even Dark Universe is getting in on the holiday spirit in its own twisted way. Inside the Manor Storehouse, the gift shop at the exit of Monsters Unchained, guests will find a Christmas tree that looks like it crawled right out of Frankenstein’s lab. Twisted branches, snarled vines, and black lace wind through the tree, while chains drape across the boughs like perfectly eerie garland. The ornaments feature iconic Universal Monsters, including Frankenstein, the Bride, and other classic creatures, turning the whole display into a delightfully macabre centerpiece. It’s the perfect blend of festive and frightful, proving that even the spookiest corner of Epic Universe can’t resist a little holiday magic.
Epic Universe’s first Christmas season proves that holiday décor doesn’t have to be copy-and-paste to be spectacular. Every element feels handcrafted for its specific location, and wandering the park after dark is nothing short of magical. If you plan on visiting this season, make time to explore each area, soak in the lighting, and enjoy one of the most beautifully themed holiday experiences in Orlando.
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